Foundations of a New Pentos, The first priority for Alex was stabilizing Pentos and ensuring its growth under his reign.
He summoned the Financial Team of 25 experts, delegating them to manage the city's resources.
Their primary tasks included:
Allocating funds for rebuilding infrastructure.
Setting up trade deals with nearby cities and factions.
Developing a taxation system that wouldn't cripple the common folk but would ensure steady revenue.
Simultaneously, the Law Management Team began drafting a new system of governance. Inspired by the modern world, Alex instructed them to create a framework for justice and order:
Basic rights for all citizens, abolishing any remnants of slavery.
A council system for addressing grievances.
Rules to ensure fair trade and punish corruption.
Daenerys observed the process closely, learning from Alex and his teams. She was beginning to see the value of structure and discipline in ruling a kingdom.
The announcement of Pentos's new rulers will sent shockwaves across Essos. The spies from different factions began to move.
Varys's spies reported the rise of Alex and Daenerys to their master in King's Landing. "Dragons live once more," one whisper read.
Braavos noted the change with unease, remembering the past wars between the two Free Cities.
Volantis, ever ambitious, saw an opportunity to manipulate or challenge the new regime.
From the far east, whispers of curiosity and fear will soon spread.
Alex was aware of the growing attention. He told Daenerys. "The more they watch, the more they underestimate us."
Alex knew about the spies, but the thing is he didn't care about them. No matter how they leak the military info or their financial information. As long as he has system he is not afraid of anyone in the world.
On the second day after their public announcement, Alex received a system notification:
System Notification:
New Mission: Destroy the Dothraki Horde and Kill Khal Drogo as they are on their way to Pentos for daenerys Targaryen.
Reward: 20,000 Credits and a Bloodline Upgrade Card.
Time Limit: 2 weeks.
Alex read the mission details, his excitement growing. The reward was significant not only would he receive a fortune in credits, but the Bloodline Upgrade Card intrigued him.
"What's a bloodline upgrade?" he asked the system.
System: "It allows the user to enhance or awaken a unique bloodline to next level. This can include increased physical capabilities, magical affinities, or abilities tied to specific origins."
Alex smirked. "I'll deal with Khal Drogo soon enough."
As rumors of the Dothraki horde's movements reached Pentos, Alex wasted no time in bolstering his forces.
He sent teams of Unsullied and loyal soldiers to raid warehouses and slave camps, freeing over 1000 men. After ensuring they were healthy and able, he recruited them into his growing army.
Additionally, he turned to the system store, purchasing doctors, engineers, and other skilled professionals. These individuals were tasked with spreading their knowledge to the people of Pentos, teaching modern medicine, engineering, and other useful trades. This was all done under the protection of the soldiers, so the spies can't kidnap them.
Doctors: 200 credits each, increasing to 400 after two purchases.
Engineers and others: Similar cost structure.
By the time he finished his spending spree, his credit balance was down to 8400 credits.
The streets of Pentos buzzed with conversation about the new rulers.
"He freed the slaves," said a blacksmith, hammering away at his forge. "That's more than the magistrates ever did."
"But he has dragons," countered a fisherman. "What if he uses them against us?"
"He's no worse than the magistrates," a maid interjected. "And at least the queen is one of us. She's kind."
Alex knew winning the people's loyalty would take time. "Actions speak louder than words," he told Daenerys. "Let them see the changes we're making, and they'll come around."
The next two days flew by. Alex divided his time between overseeing the city's reorganization and planning for the inevitable clash with Khal Drogo.
The newly freed recruits were trained daily under the supervision of Victor, Mark, Leon, and Raven.
Engineers worked on strengthening the city's defenses, using knowledge from the system to design fortified walls and strategic outposts.
Doctors set up clinics, offering free treatment to the injured and sick, further improving public morale. Alex had to spend another 900 credits for all the basic supplies and medicines and books for engineers and doctors.
As Alex stood on the balcony of the castle, overlooking the bustling city below, Daenerys joined him.
"Do you really think we can hold this city against the Dothraki?" she asked, her tone uncertain.
Alex glanced at Drogon, perched nearby, and then at Daenerys. "Just wait and see. They are no more than barbarians with brute force. Although their leaders can be a bit smart but they can't cause any issue that we can't handle at the moment."
Daenerys smiled, her confidence growing. "Then let's prepare for war."
Alex grinned. Deep inside Alex is thinking about buying more guns and equipment to destroy Dothraki horde before they even come close to city wall.
That evening, Alex decided it was time for Daenerys to have a means of self-defense, not just relying on soldiers or her dragons. Accessing the system store, he bought a Kimber .45 ACP handgun, a sleek and compact firearm, along with a belt holster and enough ammunition for her training.
The next morning, he approached Daenerys, handing her the weapon.
"This is for you," he said, holding the handgun carefully by the barrel.
Daenerys's eyes widened as she took it, the weight unfamiliar yet empowering in her hand. "What is this?"
"A handgun. It's small, powerful, and perfect for self-defense. You'll train with Mark today to learn how to use it safely."
She nodded, her expression a mix of curiosity and gratitude.
"Remember," Alex continued, "this isn't a toy. Always handle it with care. Never point it at someone unless you intend to use it. And keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire."
Daenerys nodded solemnly, the gravity of the gift sinking in. "Thank you, Alex. I'll make sure to learn properly."
As she strapped the belt around her waist, she felt a newfound sense of security. Though surrounded by soldiers and knights, having the means to defend herself gave her a confidence she hadn't felt before.
That night, as they retreated to their separate rooms, Daenerys found herself tossing and turning. Unexplainable feelings stirred within her warmth, safety, and something deeper she couldn't yet name.
Her thoughts drifted to Alex. His calm demeanor, the way he took charge, and how he always considered her safety and growth. She felt a strange flutter in her chest, an ache that wouldn't fade.
"Why do I feel this way?" she whispered into the dark.
Sleep eluded her as she tried to make sense of the emotions stirring in her heart.
The next morning, Alex had a meeting with the Financial Team to discuss the next steps in stabilizing Pentos's economy.
"We need a proper tax system," Alex began. "Here's what I propose:
Place taxes on imported goods. This will generate revenue without overburdening our citizens.
For the common folk, implement an annual tax based on their income. A flat percentage, low enough to ensure they can sustain themselves but high enough to contribute to the city's growth."
The team nodded, taking notes as Alex spoke.
"Additionally," he continued, "we need a census. I want every resident of Pentos registered. Create identity cards for everyone this will help us keep track of the population, organize resources, and maintain order."
One of the team members raised a hand. "Where should we set up our headquarters for these operations?"
Alex thought for a moment. "Use one of the empty magistrates' estates. They're large enough to house your staff and equipment, and it'll be symbolic—taking what once belonged to the oppressors and using it for the people."
The team agreed and immediately began planning the logistics.
Meanwhile, Daenerys met with Mark in a secluded training yard. He had set up targets and brought safety equipment for her first lesson with the Kimber .45 ACP.
"First rule of shooting," Mark began, "is to respect the weapon. Treat it like it's always loaded, even when it's not."
Daenerys listened intently as Mark walked her through the basics loading the magazine, chambering a round, aiming, and proper stance.
When she finally fired her first shot, the recoil surprised her, but she quickly adjusted under Mark's guidance. By the end of the session, she managed to hit the target consistently.
Mark gave her an approving nod. "Not bad for a beginner. Keep practicing, and you'll be a natural."
Daenerys smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Over the next few days, the Financial Team set up operations in the former magistrate's estate, now transformed into a bustling headquarters. Census forms were distributed, and identity cards began to be issued.
The people of Pentos, though skeptical, started to see the changes:
Roads were being repaired.
2 Big Clinics were opening under the guidance of the doctors Alex had summoned.
Soldiers patrolled the streets, maintaining peace.
Though whispers of dissent remained, many began to acknowledge the new regime's efforts to improve their lives.
That evening, Alex and Daenerys stood on the balcony, overlooking the city bathed in the golden light of sunset.
"You're making a difference," Daenerys said softly.
"We are," Alex corrected, turning to her. "This isn't just my vision it's ours."
Daenerys felt her cheeks flush, her heart racing at his words. She looked away, unsure how to respond, but a small smile crept onto her lips.
For the first time, she felt a sense of belonging not just to a place but to someone who saw her as more than just a Targaryen or a pawn.
And she silently vowed to stand by his side, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
(NOTE: READ AUTHORS THOUGHTS)